Hawkeye season 2 never happened. Many fans wanted it to happen. There was clearly a story to tell, one that involved Kate Bishop stepping up to become a new hero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen and Jeremy Renner has revealed why. Sadly, Renner’s answer is only going to serve to frustrate many viewers who wanted to see him return as Clint Barton.
In a recent interview with High Performance, the actor revealed that Marvel wanted to make a second season of the show. For context, Hawkeye season 1 premiered on Disney+ in late 2021. According to Renner, the powers that be offered him half of his salary from the first season to return for a second season. That derailed the project.
“They asked me to do Season 2, and they offered me half the money. I’m like, ‘Well, it’s going to take me twice the amount of work for half the amount of money, and eight months of my time, essentially, to do it for half the amount.’ I’m like, ‘I’m sorry? Why? Did you think I’m only half the Jeremy because I got ran over? Maybe that’s why you want to pay me half of what I made on the first season.’”
For those who may not recall, Renner was in a terrible snow plow accident in 2023 that nearly killed him. He has since recovered but not without lasting issues. That, coupled with being well into his 50s, makes something like Hawkeye difficult to handle. It’s also worth considering that Renner has been playing Hawkeye in the MCU dating back to 2011’s Thor. The notion of reducing his pay at this stage is a tough pill to swallow.
“This is not Marvel, mind you. This is just Disney, not even really Disney. It’s just the penny pinchers, the accountants. I told them to go fly a kite. I mean, just at the insult offer. So we didn’t see eye to eye on it,” Renner added.
As for whether or not Renner will return as Clint/Hawkeye in the future? He wasn’t part of the announced cast for next year’s Avengers: Doomsday. There’s always a chance he could show up in Secret Wars, which is set to hit theaters in 2028. For now, Renner seems content to stay retired though, particularly in light of the proposed pay cut.
“Sadly, I still love the character. I’d still love to do it, but I I had to defend myself. I didn’t ask for any more money, mind you. Just pay me what I made the first season. So it’s all disheartening that that didn’t happen, but that’s fine. I’m happy to let that go, because my body’s probably thanking me, time and time again, that I’m not doing it right now. But we’ll see.”
Here is the synopsis for Hawkeye season 1.
“Kate Bishop, a skilled archer whose overconfidence can cloud her judgment, lands in the middle of a criminal conspiracy. Meanwhile, Clint Barton’s much-needed Christmas trip to New York City with his kids is interrupted when a painful part of his past resurfaces. It’s just a matter of time till their paths cross, forcing Hawkeye out of retirement.”
Hawkeye is streaming now on Disney+.
What do you think? Would you like another season of the show? Do you think Hawkeye will return to the MCU? Join in on the conversation over on Facebook or Twitter!
